Economist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $101,407 (2026)

Economist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median economist salary of $101,407, which is $6,836 below the North Carolina state average of $108,243. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $101,407 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $117,915 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Winston-Salem spans from $55,180 at the 10th percentile to $176,220 at the 90th percentile — a $121,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,850, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $164,650. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level economist earns around $57,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,850

$-7,150 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$102,350

$-12,650 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$164,650

$-20,350 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$55,180	$58,900	$62,000
25th Percentile	$72,980	$77,900	$82,000
Median (50th)	$101,407	$108,243	$113,940
75th Percentile	$137,950	$147,250	$155,000
90th Percentile	$176,220	$188,100	$198,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$55,180

25th Percentile

$72,980

Median (50th)

$101,407

75th Percentile

$137,950

90th Percentile

$176,220

How to Become a Economist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Economist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median economist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $101,407 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $55,180 (10th percentile) to $176,220 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $101,407, a economist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for economist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median economist salary of $101,407 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $108,243. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $101,407 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most economist positions in Winston-Salem require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina